“Pakistani civilians deserve fair trials, not military justice”

Pakistan’s military recent statement indicating their intention to try civilians under military laws and possibly in military courts has drawn criticism from Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for South Asia, Dinushika Dissanayake. She specifically called out how it is contrary to international law, which states that civilians have the right to a fair trial before an independent and impartial tribunal established by law. Military courts in Pakistan are not independent courts and are designed to maintain discipline within the military, hence they lack transparency. Amnesty International has documented several human right violations stemming from trying civilians in military courts in Pakistan, including lack of due process, coerced confessions, and executions after grossly unfair trials.

Moreover, Dissanayake argued that this move from Pakistan’s military is purely an intimidation tactic designed to crack down on dissent by exercising fear of an institution that has never been held accountable for its overreach. She further added that this move would severely undermine the right to a fair trial and cannot be justified under Pakistan’s constitution. Therefore, it must be struck down immediately.

The recent protests that led to this development occurred after former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested, resulting in nationwide demonstrations, during which there were incidents of violence. Some groups breached the military headquarters while others set fire to a military commander’s official residence. At least eight people have died, and thousands have been arrested, including other political leaders of Imran Khan’s Tehreek-i-Insaf party.

It’s important to note that Pakistan is the only country in South Asia that allows military courts to try civilians for non-military offences, including offences related to terrorism. This practice has been criticized by human rights activists who argue that such military justice is a violation of basic human rights and freedoms.

In conclusion, the move by Pakistan’s military to try civilians in military courts for non-military crimes is alarming and violates international human rights obligations. While it may seem like an efficient way to crack down on crime, it severely undermines the right to a fair trial and cannot be justified. Pakistan must reconsider the use of military courts to try civilians and instead focus on building a transparent and independent judicial system that upholds the basic human rights of all its citizens.

Fair Trial-humanrights,fairtrials,civilianrights,militaryjustice,Pakistan